Thalidomiders?

Question

Worldwide, some 8,000 women who took thalidomide as a sedative and to alleviate morning sickness, gave birth to babies with deformities.

Thalidomide was available in the UK from 1958 and taken off the market in late 1961 after tests revealed it disrupted foetal development.

Many other claims were later settled out of court after the 1968 agreement.

In 1973 after a barrage of press and public pressure, Distillers eventually agreed to provide a trust fund and lump sum payouts to all of the children.

A public investigation into the tragedy was repeatedly demanded but never carried out.

As children, "thalidomiders" were often regarded in society as tragic victims destined to lead short and sub-standard lives.

But most have overcome their disabilities and successfully challenged these assumptions.

How do you feel about this?

Answer 1

I grew up in the sixties and knew a thalidomide boy who had deformed arms. I suspect everyone knew someone who was a victim of this tragedy.

I think it is a sign of the triumph of the human spirit- but Distillers were right to compensate the victims.

I'm not sure a public inquiry would make a difference now- as most of these people have lived good and productive lives.

Let's just hope it would never happen again.